How to Find the Ultimate Developer for Your Small Business App

Integrating an app within your business' digital arsenal is not only a smart move but an essential one. In a 2015 poll, 78% of small businesses worldwide said they did not have an app or mobile solution. Fast forward to 2017, it is expected that 50% of all small businesses will have an app or will at least be engaged in developing one by the midpoint of this year.

Why the abrupt shift? One huge reason is that mobile app development is now more affordable. Just a couple of years ago, small businesses who had the idea for an app would be looking at tens and thousands of dollars just to get it developed. That's no longer the case nowadays. In fact, most mobile app developers now create apps for just a few hundred bucks. This is great news for your company. If you don’t currently have an app, it’s definitely time.

Using software to develop your mobile app

It is actually possible to design and develop your own app. Depending on your budget, this could be a viable alternative for you. Sites such as Shoutem and AppyPie offers app building solutions that require little or no coding experience. Though not as in-depth as what you'll get with a professionally-developed app, it's still worth considering. Besides, they're relatively easy to learn and implement. There is one issue here, however: time. Do you have the time design or maintain an app while running your business? That's something you should ask yourself before diving into the deep end of mobile app development.

Investing in an app development firm

Time is a precious commodity. It's something you can't buy or take back. With that in mind, you may want to consider hiring the talents of an experienced mobile app development team instead. This is probably the most cost-efficient method there is in terms of time. If this is the path you want to take, make sure to first review the previous apps that they have done. Do they work as intended? Are they of good quality? Furthermore, check their credentials. A quick Google search would probably help you with that. Lastly and most importantly, make sure that they understand you and know your vision for the app. Good communication always yields good results. As for costs, it varies. Usually, app features, the industry your business belongs to, and even just the overall look of the app impacts the final price. Because of that, it’s a good idea to prepare a thorough list of questions and features that you want to present to your prospects. That way, the team can give you an estimate cost for the project. You can then work out on adjusting the features the way you see fit.

Find a freelance mobile app developer

Aside from development teams, there are also freelancers who develop apps. As compared to a team who do projects systematically, freelancers tend to go at it on their own pace. Since they're working solo, they tend to answer queries quicker and be more attentive to your questions and requests since they are not hindered by anyone else.Similar to hiring a development team, you also have to check the freelancer's relevant work experiences in the past. What platforms have they previously worked with? What do they know about your business' field? Have they created a similar app in the past? Find out as much as you can about your potential freelancer prior to hiring them. Lastly, remember that it's not about which one's cheaper. Quality comes first. You don't want to be stuck with an app that, though cheap, is of poor quality.

Getting started

You're probably asking yourself right about now, where do I go to find freelance app developers and teams that are reputable and actually know what they’re doing? Well, you came to the right place! Freelancer.com provides access to hundreds of super-talented mobile app developers who are ready to create the perfect app for your small business. It all begins with crafting a detailed job posting and carefully evaluation of the responses that come in.Don’t necessarily have time to go through each and every response? No problem! They actually have the Recruiter Project upgrade which will help you in this matter. They'll help you finalize your project description, look for the best freelancers from the Preferred Freelancer Program (only the top freelancers become a part of that!) and then select the one that suits your project the most.

It’s time to kick your company up a notch and jump into 2017. It's app time!

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